Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diversity is Just a Result of Historical Accuracy

Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased Diversity

Warhorse Studios is pushing back against the negative online response to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to creating an engaging game experience. In a recent PC Gamer interview (February 3, 2025), PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed the controversy surrounding the game's enhanced diversity.

Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've faced varied criticisms over the years. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while our focus remains on developing a compelling game." This follows criticism from some quarters labeling the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements as "woke."

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the extreme reactions stem from a segment of the player base that is inherently dissatisfied. "We believe the most vocal critics are simply never content," he commented.

The Enhanced Diversity of KCD2

The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial hub, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast than its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted a more diverse population." The city's role as a significant economic center drew individuals from various regions, resulting in a richer cultural representation.

Bittner highlighted the inclusion of diverse cultural elements, including Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, and a Jewish quarter, emphasizing the importance of authentically portraying these groups and their unique perspectives. He stressed, "It's crucial to represent not just these people, but also their worldviews, something often overlooked in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling confirmed that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced Warhorse Studios' creative decisions. The team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback and meticulous historical research. "Everything included is thoroughly researched and verified," he assured.

Pre-Order Numbers Unaffected by Controversy

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra took to Twitter (X) to clarify that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart position to concurrent sales of discounted titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for other games, including Monster Hunter: Wilds.

Vávra previously addressed concerns regarding queer representation in January 2025, dismissing rumors of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes. He emphasized the game's RPG nature, stating, "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; player choices and their consequences reflect the moral and social norms of the era."

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page for more details.